The workshops follow an informal format. They generally begin in the late afternoon with a farm tour, followed by a presentation and demonstration on the topic of the day. Participants are then invited to stay for a potluck supper and discussion - bring a dish or something fresh from the farm to share.

For more information about or directions to any of the workshops, or to get yourself on our FTP reminder mailing list, email April or call 568-4142.

2009 FTP Workshop Schedule

Starting with the Soil: Sustainable Soil Management
Wednesday, June 10 5pm
Crystal Spring Farm, Brunswick

Healthy, living soil is the foundation of successful organic agriculture. Join MOFGA staff and several successful organic farmers for an introduction to organic soil fertility management and the use of rotation, composting, green manures, cover crops, and tillage strategies to build organic matter and enhance the health and productivity of farm soil. This is also the inaugural event of the 2009 MOFGA apprentice season, and a good chance to meet MOFGA staff and fellow apprentices from other farms.

Ecological Weed Management
Tuesday June 16 5pm
Peacemeal Farm, Dixmont

Weed control is a primary challenge in organic farming systems. This workshop will offer ecological and cultural approaches to weed management with experts from MOFGA and the University of Maine. It will also feature a primer on weed control using the various forms of cultivation equipment available to vegetable growers.

Introduction to Farm Equipment: Safety, Operation, and Basic Maintenance
Tuesday, June 23 5pm
MOFGA Headquarters, Unity
***NO POTLUCK***

Join staff from MOFGA and University of Maine Cooperative Extension for an introduction to basic farm equipment anatomy, safe operation, and maintenance. We’ll cover tractor operation and safety; attaching, adjusting, and operating farm implements; and basic preventative lubrication and maintenance. Participants will get a chance to practice driving tractors of different models and sizes and attaching and operating implements.

Ecological Pest Control
Wednesday, July 1 5pm
Phoenix Farm, Monmouth

Effective ecological pest control starts with a farm system design based on the fundamental principles of diversity and complexity. Join Eric Sideman, MOFGA’s crops specialist, for a comprehensive perspective on managing pests in organic vegetable systems.

Selling what you Grow: Marketing Basics
Wednesday, July 8  5pm
Six River & Fishbowl Farms, Bowdoinham

Small farmers need to be creative and innovative marketers to be successful. The best are those that cultivate community involvement in their farms and nurture face-to-face relationships with their customers. Learn from several of Maine’s farmers, both new and veteran, about their diverse strategies for marketing their products, including Community Supported Agriculture, Farm Stands, Farmers Markets, and cooperatives. We’ll also hear about innovative partnerships with non-profits that incorporate education and community service.

Livestock in the Farm System
Thursday, July 16 5pm
Darthia Farm, Gouldsboro

An important principle of sustainable small-scale farming is diversity, and livestock play many key functional roles in a diverse farm system. Veteran farmers Bill and Cynthia Thayer run a diversified, pasture-based livestock operation and sell their animal products directly to consumers. Come learn how they manage their critters and the benefits of their system.

Farming for the Common Good
Tuesday, July 21 5pm
JED Collective & Giant’s Belly Farm, Greene

Come explore an innovative farming initiative in central Maine. The JED Collective is a group of organizers, parents, cultural workers, farmers and health workers who share a commitment to living in mutually-supportive community, working together towards increased self-sufficiency and sustainability, and dedicating energy in diverse ways towards the work of building social and economic justice, ecological health, and a culture of solidarity and care.

Hoophouse Tomato production
Wednesday, July 29 5pm
New Leaf Farm, Durham

Tomatoes are an enormously important cash crop for mixed vegetable growers in Maine. Join Dave Colson, one of Maine’s best tomato growers, for an introduction to this delicious and potentially profitable enterprise.

Preserving the Harvest: Pickling, Canning, Freezing, etc.
Wednesday, August 5 5pm
MOFGA Headquarters, Unity

“Putting food by” is a fundamental skill to master if you want to be able to enjoy your garden’s bounty all winter long. Join MOFGA staff for a session on the basics of food preservation and all its various strategies – from pickling, to canning, to freezing, to root cellaring. Be prepared for a hands-on workshop.

From Apprentice to Farmer: taking the next steps
Tuesday, August 11 5pm
Deri Farm, N. Yarmouth

MOFGA estimates that Maine needs about 150 new farmers a year just to maintain the infrastructure we need to support our local food system – so every new farm operation in Maine is a reason to celebrate. But it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get started in farming. Join several of MOFGA’s current Journeypeople as they share their insights and enthusiasm about how they are managing their first few years farming independently. If you are considering farming for a living, please come and contribute to this important discussion.

Permaculture
Thursday, August 13 5pm
Schoodic Hollow Farm, Franklin



Biodynamic Farming
Wednesday, August 19 5pm
Hope’s Edge Farm, Hope

Biodynamics is a mystical, holistic approach to agriculture that has something to offer every farmer and gardener. Join Tom Griffin of Hope’s Edge Farm for an introduction to the Biodynamic approach, and see how he incorporates it into his operation.

Farm Woodlot Management
Tuesday, August 25 5pm
Hidden Valley Farm, Alna

Woodlots are an important part of a diverse farm system, providing fuel, building materials, and other value-added products such as maple syrup to supplement income. Join Bambi Jones and Tracy Moskowitz, woodlot owners and managers, and Consulting Forester Barrie Brusila for a teaching tour of their woodlot. They will talk about why and how they manage the woodlot, with particular emphasis on long-term, low-impact forestry techniques using small-scale, multipurpose equipment.